As an avid camper, investing in quality gear will be paramount to enjoying a relaxing camping trip. The top tents available for sale offer ample room and comfort – they’re ready to hold all of your gear and equipment securely!
Seek out four-season tents designed to withstand snow storms and cold temperatures – these tents tend to cost more than three-season models.
Size
Size can often be the determining factor when purchasing a tent, and its specifications should fit your specific needs accordingly. You may require enough room to comfortably house all your sleeping bags or something smaller and easier to pack up.
Most brands provide information about livable space by giving floor dimensions and capacities of each tent. For instance, REI’s Wonderland 6 tent covers an area of 83.3 square feet while Coleman’s Sundome 6 offers 100 square feet.
Premium tents such as Cabela’s Alaskan Guide model boast hexagonal designs with full coverage rainflys and large vestibules for ample airflow and thick polyurethane floor coatings for added protection in rainy environments. Plus, ample ventilation, storage pockets for storage space, string lighting – making these models suitable for camping in any kind of weather condition! These models make camping much easier.
Weather Protection
Consider the climate where you plan to camp and choose a rainfly model suitable for it. Make sure it encourages airflow while limiting moisture build-up, and that it’s easy to use even during stormy conditions.
Other weather-related considerations include doorway and vestibule space, which should allow for smooth entry/exit without disturbing other tent occupants. Also consider purchasing YKK zippers which have proven themselves superior at resisting snagging/breaking as well as stronger aluminum poles such as those by DAC than fiberglass ones; additionally a separate ground cover (footprint) may help keep dirt/moisture out.
Ventilation
Ventilation designs of tents are of great significance in hot climates and are often an essential consideration when purchasing. Premium camping tents typically feature more ventilation features such as mesh windows and vents, deployable rainflies, and other features to promote airflow and prevent moisture accumulation.
Many tents also come equipped with footprints – custom-sized ground covers to fit exactly with their model for added protection against rain, dirt, and general wear and tear – making repacking and cleaning much simpler. Take advantage of this feature and re-packing and cleaning become easier.
Kelty Wireless 6 stands out among budget tents for its sturdy build, spacious interior and versatile design with two doors and vestibules – covered areas outside your tent doors that protect sleeping area while keeping gear like backpacks or shoes out. Other cost-effective models are Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 and NEMO Aurora Highrise 4.
Durability
If you only camp occasionally and prefer peaceful surroundings, a budget tent like the Coleman Sundome may suffice. But for more frequent camping excursions or harsher environments, investing in an advanced option might be more suitable.
Premium options boast features to handle challenging weather, from vents and windows that open for airflow, to vestibules with enough room for gear stowage. They tend to be constructed from tough fabrics and boast stronger aluminum poles than budget models. Furthermore, many feature a footprint cover that fits their tent model to keep moisture and dirt off of its floor and extend its lifespan by making repacking easier.
Price
An investment-grade tent can be costly. Additionally, other camping gear such as sleeping bags, tent stakes and rainflys must also be considered when planning for camping trips.
If you want to camp comfortably over several years, the MSR Habitude 6 tent offers great durability and quality with its ripstop nylon fabric, DAC aluminum poles, and ample interior living space.
If you plan on camping frequently, investing in a tent with upgraded features could be worth its extra cost. A tent with full coverage rainfly offers greater protection from storms while adding vestibules increases storage space and offers protection from sun damage. Many tents also come equipped with footprints to shield it from dirt and debris.